Thurner Hof: Waste of millions in Cologne-Dellbrück uncovered!

Thurner Hof: Waste of millions in Cologne-Dellbrück uncovered!

In the heart of Cologne-Dellbrück stands the Thurner Hof, a half-timbered house in need of renovation, which is now listed in the Black Book of the Taxpayers' Association as a case of tax waste. Loud Review online More than 800,000 euros have been invested in the extensive renovation since 2008, but the building remains unused to this day. A real mess!

The Thurner Hof is considered an important testimony to local history and was used by the Cologne Adult Education Center and various clubs until its closure in the early 2000s. In 2003, a significant need for renovation was identified, which ultimately led to the house being vacated. However, the renovation, which was originally supposed to be completed by 2015, dragged on and did not officially end until 2022, which further fueled the taxpayers' association's dissatisfaction T Online reported.

Criticism of the city administration

The reasons for non-use are complex, but the decisive factor is a lack of building permission. The original document dates from the 1970s and does not match the current condition of the building. This has led to the city of Cologne now having to re-examine how the building can be used. Alternatives have already been discussed many times, but the city is remaining wait and see.

“The planned use by the adult education center as an environmental education center cannot be realized due to a lack of accessibility and financial aspects,” emphasized the city in June 2025. A circumstance that is met with incomprehension among local citizens. Especially since the Thurner Hof is seen as a possible place for civil activities. Thomas Mildenberger, chairman of the Dellbrück SPD local association, emphasizes the importance of using it for civil society.

Citizen engagement

There is a growing movement in Dellbrück that is campaigning for the civilian use of the farm. City representatives and local initiatives have already met several times to discuss various possible uses. Sponsorship by local associations, such as a carnival club, is also being considered, which has met with great approval. Many citizens want the Thurner Hof to be used in a lively and meaningful way.

The site also includes a courtyard and a garden of over 7,000 square meters. Part of this area includes organic gardening and beekeeping projects run by the adult education center, while other areas are run by the Reitergemeinschaft Kornspringer Köln e. V. can be used. This shows the potential of the Thurner Hof, if only the administrative hurdles could be overcome.

The city is continuing to intensively examine all options for the Thurner Hof. Such cases of tax waste not only infuriate local citizens but also highlight inefficient administration. As the Black Book of the Taxpayers' Association shows, such cases are not uncommon in Germany, and the Thurner Hof in Dellbrück is currently at the top of the list of municipal mismanagement, as in Black Book 2024/2025 noted.

The question remains: When will this historic building finally be put to meaningful use, and will the city of Cologne finally have a good hand in developing the potential of the Thurner Hof?